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December 2017: Career Exploration and Awareness Month

WHEREAS, it is critical for Michigan residents to understand the many career pathways available, as well as to have resources and tools to actively engage in career exploration; and,

WHEREAS, parents, counselors, educators, coaches and influencers of young people should have meaningful conversations with students about career options; and,

WHEREAS, many Michigan students leave high school and college without being comfortable with their career path and they lack the knowledge of where to find information on in-demand skills that lead to high-paying careers; and,

WHEREAS, employers must find the right talent who possess skills to move their businesses forward; and,

WHEREAS, 68 percent of professional careers require continued education and training beyond high school and only 38 percent of Michigan residents have met these requirements; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Works! system assists employers across industry sectors with establishing training programs, such as registered apprenticeships and expanding existing training programs. The system also helps job seekers connect to these career opportunities to create a diverse pipeline of skilled workers to meet the industry’s talent needs; and,

WHEREAS, on June 26, 2017, the Office of the Governor, the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development announced the Career Pathways Alliance; and,

WHEREAS, on June 26, 2017, Superintendent Brian Whiston signed an Executive Directive implementing many of the Career Pathways Alliance initiatives; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan has made career exploration tools like the Michigan Career and Education Pathfinder available to assist Michigan residents with career exploration and identifying educational opportunities throughout the state; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan has begun marketing campaigns to elevate the perception of professional trades careers through initiatives like the Going PRO campaign; and,

WHEREAS, our citizens must better understand they have many career choices and there are multiple career pathways which include pursuing stackable credentials, certificates and degrees. We must better prepare Michigan residents to understand that today’s work environment requires life-long learning;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the December 2017 as Career Exploration and Awareness Month in Michigan.